4 Schools Affected as Bandits Counter KDF, Police

At least four schools were closed on Friday, April 7, following the latest attack by bandits in Turkana County. 
 

Education officials in the county stated that the schools will remain closed up until when the safety of the pupils would be guaranteed. 
 

While speaking in a meeting held in Lodwar town, Teachers Service Commission (TSC) Chairman Jamleck Muturi underlined that the safety of education stakeholders comes first. 
 

"We will ensure that the schools are prepared, but the underlying issue of security must be dealt with once and for all so that this issue does not happen again," Muturi assured.  

Muturi also stated that Kenya Defence Forces and National Police Service personnel were already pursuing the attackers hampering learning in Turkana. 
 

Headteachers who spoke during the meeting expressed their frustrations following the forced closure of the schools. 
 

The teachers lamented that the closure of the schools will grossly affect the student's performance since the country was preparing for end-term exams.
 

"We have agreed that we are all going to work with the government to ensure that we turn around the performance of our schools despite the challenges," the headteachers' representative stated. 

 

The teachers told the TSC boss that some children lost their parents in the banditry attacks that also saw wanton destruction of property.

 

It was reported that bandits were targeting schools and pupils as soft spots in their attacks and cattle rustling. 

 

Meanwhile, 2600 stolen goats were reportedly recovered in Turkana as 'Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift' continued in various parts of the County.

 

In another win in the fight against banditry, 28 cattle and 24 goats were seized in Laikipia County. 

 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki made a commitment that the multi-agency team will remain in the region until attacks subside.